The Political Science Society of USI is organizing a fundraiser to benefit the victims of the massive earthquake that struck Haiti earlier this month.
‘This was an idea that originated from the students in Political Science Society themselves,’ said Oana Armeanu, assistant professor of political science and faculty adviser for Political Science Society.
The group had booths set up Wednesday on the second floor of the Liberal Arts Center and the University Center.
It also has a booth set up today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the UC.
Free lemonade is available for those who visit the Liberal Arts building and a drawing for prizes is arranged for both days in the UC.’
The prizes are gift cards to businesses such as Walmart and Target.
While free lemonade and prize drawings are available, those who visit are encouraged to donate to the Haiti Relief cause if possible.
‘Everyone is encouraged to donate,’ Armeanu said. ‘The money we receive from donations will then be given to the Red Cross.’
President of the Political Science Society John Siepierski believes that the USI community should ‘play our part in the international effort and help others when they are in desperate need.’
On Jan. 12, a massive 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, reducing its capital city, Port-au-Prince, to rubble.’
An estimated 2 million people live within the zone of heavy to moderate structural damage.’
Thousands of people were caught in buildings during the quake and became trapped in the rubble.’
Government buildings, hospitals, prisons, schools and homes were destroyed. ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘
Officials estimate that as many as 150,000 people are dead as a result of the quake.
When Armeanu first heard about the devastation in Haiti she couldn’t believe it.’
‘I teach international politics and I first thought of Katrina and how difficult it was for a strong economic country such as the US to aid the area, but a poor country such as Haiti is going to be very difficult to aid,’ Armeanu said. ‘Without foreign aid they won’t make it.’ Foreign aid will be the main source of recovery for Haiti.’
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, according the CIA World Factbook and 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty line while 54 percent live in abject poverty.’ Haiti has a population of 8.7 million people, which is slightly smaller, geographically, than Maryland, which has a population of 5.5 million.
There are many other organizations on campus contributing to the Haiti Relief effort, such as Encounter, that are accepting donations as well.
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